May 3 -August 3, 2008

Smithsonian Institution is featuring a new exhibition, “Muraqqa`: Imperial Mughal Albums from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin”, which will be held until August 3. The Mughal Empire ruled India from the 16th through the 19th centuries, during which time remarkable paintings and calligraphy were commissioned by Emperors Jahangir (1605-27) and Shah Jahan (1627-58) for display in lavish imperial albums. A window into the world of the emperors, these albums (called muraqqa` in Persian) illustrate the relaxed private life of the imperial family, as well as Sufi saints and mystics, allies and courtiers, and natural history subjects. Produced by the greatest Mughal artistes of the time, these painting offer a fascinating, detailed lens into the lives of these great rulers. At the turn of the 20th century, American-born industrialist and philanthropist, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, began creating one of the world’s greatest collections of Mughal paintings, establishing the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland, in 1954. The exhibition “Muraqqa`....” will bring together 86 of these jewel-like masterpieces from this renowned collection and include masterworks from the Freer Gallery’s famed collection of Mughal paintings. This exhibition commences the year-long “Inspired by India” programming at the Freer and Sackler galleries. In addition to Muraqqa`, programs include the exhibition “Garden and Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur”, opening October 11, as well as India-related performances, films, lectures and gallery talks. 

Time: 10.00 AM to 5.30 PM ( Admission is free.)

Venue: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave SW, on the National Mall Washington, DC. 

For further information visit www.asia.si.edu